Colin Montgomerie produced a magnificent final round of 64 win the 1999 Volvo PGA Championship, equalling the record lowest total of 270, 18 under par, and becoming the first player since Nick Faldo in 1981 to successfully defend the title.

His five-shot victory over Ryder Cup captain Mark James earned Montgomerie 303,350 euro and takes him back to the top of the Volvo Order of Merit.

Montgomerie said: “I arrived on the Tour in 1987 and we were lucky enough to have Volvo come on board a year later. Since then the standards have risen, risen and risen and are still rising and I thank Volvo for their continued support.

“To Chris Kennedy and his team of greenstaff at Wentworth Club, thanks on behalf of all the players for the wonderful condition of this marvellous golf course.

“To Ken Schofield and his staff at the European Tour our thanks for making this tournament the best we have on the European Tour.”

Starting the final round level with South Africa’s Retief Goosen, Montgomerie reached the turn on 32 after birdies at the second, fourth and seventh, but it was his first three holes at the start of the homeward stretch that took him clear of the chasing pack. Birdies at the 10th and 11th were followed by an eagle at the 12th, taking him five ahead. With a birdie on the final hole he equalled Bernhard Langer’s total for 1987.

“My course management today was perfect,” he said. “It was one of those days. I know it won’t continue, but long may it.

“I started the day tied for the lead and I knew people from behind would have good scores and knew I had to shoot a low score to counteract that. To go out leading and score the lowest of the day, with all the pressure, is very satisfying.”

Mark James shot a final round of 66 and moves up to seventh in the Ryder Cup Points Table where he could qualify automatically, while Paul Eales picked up his biggest ever pay cheque by finishing third.